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Tuesday, June 7, 2011

Summer Mantle - and a Little Visitor

This is going to be a long post - I apologize. I just couldn't keep this story from you guys - it's too good!!

A few weeks ago, Addie and I had a girls day and went antiquing with a friend. The first place we went, I noticed a bunch of old windows and doors leaning up against the fence in the back. The shop was cute, and they had a bunch of amazing things, but they were already refinished (what fun is that?) - nonetheless, I was drawn to the junk in the back. I asked the shop owner if the windows were for sale - they were only $5!! SOLD!! So, I picked out a good one, and carted it 2 blocks (dirt and all) to my car. It was too big to fit in my trunk, so it went in the back seat with Addie.

When we got home, my new jewel went in the garage until I figured out what I wanted to do with it. I went in there multiple times, and stared at this window....trying to figure out what to do with it. As I was staring at it, I noticed a small hole in the front. As I peered closer, the hole appeared to be inhabited - by a very large black bug. Was it dead? I looked closer - aughhh it moved!!! OK - done with that. So it sat...for 4 weeks, and so did the bug.

I went in there this past weekend to get a closer look - it HAD to be dead by now! I looked real close, OMG - it popped it's little head and antennas out!! EWW! What IS that?!?!?! Hubby was out fishing, and as soon as he got home, I said "I have a job for you!!!". He took the window out, and hit the back of it real hard. Nothing. So then he sprayed weed killer in the hole, and out popped a carpenter bee! He had burrowed his way in, and made himself a little home. OK - the bee was out...or was it?

See him in there???

We thought it was dead, but when I went out to take a picture of it - he was gone! So, I brought the window back into the garage, but he wasn't gone!! For 8 hours, he hovered outside the garage - and flew in every time we opened the door! Finally - we went out for the evening - and after Addie was in tears afraid of the bee - we finally thought he was gone.

Wrong! We woke up Sunday morning - opened the garage door - and there he was!! Dive bombing our heads once again! I needed to hose this window down to get all the dirt off, but was afraid he would burrow back in!! I started to feel kind of bad for this homeless bee. But it was then the he met his demise by the swat of a broom. Hubby got him good.

So - after all of that...here is the window. One side is painted and chipped, and lovely - the other side is wood with lovely hardware.

This is why I cannot decide what to do with it. Do I use the chippy goodness, sand and paint the whole thing??? I don't know!!! In the end - I said screw it. I'll use it as is for now, and decide later.

Wow, your mantle is sooooo pretty. I think I love everything about it! I had a chippy green and white window and decided to paint it and then distress it. I love how it turned out. Although your window is pretty perfect as it is. :)

Love, Love! I'm actually on the lookout tonight for windows b/c a friend just GAVE me one she almost through away and I'm looking for ideas. I love that you left yours as is, it looks perfect with your other decor!Angelawww.loveseweetlove.blogspot.com

Hi Jenn,Love your summer look mantel! I'm addicted to old windows also and use them alot. I have a white one for summer and a dark one with a turkey feather wreath for winter. You can just flip yours over and have a new look. They are fun! Found you thru the block party.Rebecca

I am a mom of two, work full time, and in my spare time – love to create! I will get my hands into just about anything – home decor, upcycled jewelry and my absolute favorite, paper crafting! Thanks for stopping by!